In the 1980s and 1990s, Park Overall starred as Laverne Todd in NBC’s “Empty Nest.” Known for her wit and chemistry with Richard Mulligan, the show ran for 7 seasons. Post “Empty Nest,” Overall took smaller roles but never regained the same fame. What’s she doing 25 years later?
Background Information
Born on March 15, 1957, in Horse Creek, Tennessee, she had a unique upbringing with her professor mother, Mrs. Robinson, and her unconventional magistrate father.
Her early years took her to New York, working at Alexander’s department store out of necessity. This job was a stepping stone to Los Angeles, where her acting career began. She initially acted in “Skin,” a play about Andy Warhol and Edie Sedgwick, and later showcased her talent in Neil Simon’s “Biloxi Blues,” both
Empty Nest
“Empty Nest” was a beloved sitcom that aired on NBC from 1988 to 1995. Set in Miami, the show revolved around the life of pediatrician Dr. Harry Weston, portrayed by Richard Mulligan, who finds himself living alone after his wife passes away and his two adult daughters move out.
The show is a spinoff of the iconic series “The Golden Girls,” another NBC classic. While “The Golden Girls” centered around four older women sharing a home in Miami, “Empty Nest” shifted the focus to the neighboring house, where Dr. Harry Weston lived. The connection between the two shows was established through several crossover episodes, allowing fans to see their favorite characters from both series interact.
Enter Laverne Higby Todd Kane, played by the talented Park Overall. Laverne was Dr. Weston’s no-nonsense, wise-cracking nurse hailing from Hickory, Arkansas.
With her thick Southern accent and a penchant for delivering sharp one-liners, Laverne quickly became a fan favorite.
Her character was a perfect foil to Dr. Weston’s often befuddled demeanor. Laverne was not just a nurse; she was Dr. Weston’s confidante, friend, and often the voice of reason in the chaotic Weston household.
Whether she was offering unsolicited advice, sharing tales of her eccentric family back in Arkansas, or simply bantering with Dr. Weston and his daughters, Laverne was a central figure in the “Empty Nest” universe.
“Empty Nest” enjoyed a successful run, spanning seven seasons with a total of 170 episodes. Throughout its tenure from 1988 to 1995, the show delved into the comedic and heartfelt moments of Dr. Weston’s life, with Park Overall’s character, Laverne, playing a pivotal role.
Later Career
After “Empty Nest,” Park Overall continued acting in film and TV. She led “Katie Joplin” (1999) for 5 episodes and played Claire Stiles in “Ladies Man” (1999-2000) for 8 episodes. She appeared in TV movies like “The Price of a Broken Heart” (1999) and “When Andrew Came Home” (2000). Park also had roles in “Reba” (2001-2002) and films such as “To Kill a Mockumentary” (2004) and “Beer for My Horses” (2008).
Foray Into Politics
In 2012, Park Overall announced her intention to challenge Republican U.S. Sen. Bob Corker, representing the Democratic party.
Park’s political beliefs are rooted in her support for welfare, food stamps, and the underprivileged. Despite her candid acknowledgment of the slim chances of her winning, given her progressive stances, she remained undeterred.
She would eventually lose the bid but she would remain firm in her commitment to the betterment of society.
Where Is Park Overall Today?
Park Overall has stepped away from acting and has been a passionate advocate for environmental and women’s rights. She has actively supported various environmental causes, especially those affecting her native East Tennessee.
In recent years, Overall has been a vocal critic of Nuclear Fuel Services and its uranium processing complex in Erwin, Tennessee.
She has been actively involved in raising awareness about the potential environmental impacts of this plant and has taken legal steps to ensure transparency and accountability from the plant’s operators, emphasizing the importance of public knowledge regarding its operations and potential hazards.
Park’s activism is not limited to environmental concerns. She identifies herself as a liberal and is vocal about her political beliefs.
Despite being surrounded by contrasting political views in her current residence, she uses platforms like Facebook as a means to spread liberal messages, aiming to bridge the gap with far-right conservative Christians in her community.
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